Growing This Fruit in a Balcony Pot Brings Vibrant Good Fortune and Sweetness

Huahua loves eating dragon fruit, especially red-fleshed dragon fruit, which is not only sweet but also rich in nutrients. This fruit, fiery red on the outside and either white or red on the inside, is something many people never suspect comes from a plant that looks like a cactus, and it can even be grown at home.

To grow dragon fruit on a balcony, choose a relatively large pot, preferably a clay pot, with several drainage holes in the bottom. If you really cannot find such a pot, a wooden box will also work, as it provides good breathability. Generally, plastic or fairly sealed containers are not recommended.

Also, before planting dragon fruit, be sure to soak it in clean water for several hours first, to flush out all the murky air in the pot, so it will not affect the growth of the dragon fruit.

Soil

The soil suitable for dragon fruit is slightly acidic or neutral soil, and the soil should be relatively loose and breathable. You can mix leaf mold, coarse river sand, and manure soil in a 6:1:1 ratio.

Planting Method

Dragon fruit is usually grown by cuttings, inserting the stem segments directly into the soil. Once new stems have grown, the plant can be moved to a pot. Drainage holes should be made in the bottom of the pot, and the area around the holes should be covered with pottery shards, otherwise the sand will easily leak out.

To make the soil drain and breathe even better, you can first lay a thick layer of small stones, then pour in the potting soil. Place two seedlings on top of the soil mound with their roots in the soil, then gently press the soil around the edge of the pot with your hand and water thoroughly. After a week, move it to the balcony.

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit, so watering must be carefully controlled; do not water too frequently. While keeping the soil moist, add organic nutrient solution to the water, which can be slightly diluted, generally at a ratio of more than 500 parts water to 1 part solution. This ensures sufficient fertility and makes the dragon fruit grow more vigorously.

Pruning

When caring for dragon fruit, be sure to prune it carefully. Cutting off the side branches can reduce nutrient loss, promote flower bud differentiation, and bring earlier flowering and fruiting. With proper care, it will bloom in July and August. During the flowering period, dragon fruit needs plenty of fertilizer and water. Half a month before flowering, apply organic phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.

Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit. It gets through summer easily, but in winter it must be moved indoors for protection from the cold. Do not fertilize during the winter; water moderately. After the weather warms up in spring, it can be moved outdoors again. Cut off the old side branches, generally pruning close to the roots, and new side shoots will sprout; otherwise it will be difficult to flower and fruit.